The silent killer, stroke, often has its roots in the build-up of plaque in the carotid arteries. This plaque can become unstable and trigger ischaemic events. A key player in this process is inflammation, which can make plaques more likely to rupture. Macrophages, a type of white blood cell, are h
Fertility treatments are becoming more common as couples seek help to have a baby. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often used alongside these treatments. It is believed that TCM can boost the chances of getting pregnant. However, there are no set rules or agreements on how to use TCM with fert
In the vast landscapes of rural and remote Australia, telehealth has become a lifeline for emergency medical services. This technology has been around for a while and is constantly changing. It has shown great promise in helping patients who need urgent care. However, the hurdles of using telemedici
Biliary tract cancers, or BTCs, are a big challenge in medicine. These cancers are very aggressive and often go unnoticed until they are in an advanced stage. This makes them difficult to treat and gives patients a grim outlook. The usual method for detecting these cancers is a tool called endoscopi
Spinal injuries from trauma cause serious health problems and affect many people. They also have a big impact on families and society. A recent study looked at the costs of treating these injuries in Australia. It compared the current way of doing things with a new, improved method. The improved
Breast cancer is a significant health concern. It affects millions of women worldwide. There is a lot of talk about new tools to fight it. One such tool is the polygenic risk score (PRS). This score is a number that shows a person's chance of getting breast cancer. It is based on many small gen
The world of Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) has seen significant shifts since it became a recognized subspecialty in 2016. As the field adapts, the expectations for fellows completing their training are also changing. The road ahead for these medical professionals is filled with both opportunitie
Knee pain is a common issue, especially for older adults, women, and those with physically demanding jobs. It is often caused by osteoarthritis, a condition that affects the joints and can lead to significant disability. Many people rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to manage
Biofilms are a big problem. They are groups of bacteria that stick together and form a tough shield. This shield protects them from many threats, including radiation. Radiation is usually great at killing bacteria, but biofilms have ways to resist it. They have a protective layer, different ways of
A complex illness called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis often shows up with a specific marker called myeloperoxidase-perinuclear-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. This condition is tricky to spot. It can be easily confused with other health issues. Doctors usually think of it w
